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Kadena members celebrate Women's Equality Day
Posted 8/31/2011 Updated 8/31/2011
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by 1st Lt. Jamie Davis
18th Contracting Squadron
8/31/2011 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- On Aug. 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution affirmed the right for women to vote in all public elections.
By Presidential Proclamation, August 26 is annually celebrated as Women's Equality Day in recognition of both the anniversary of suffrage and of women's continued efforts toward equal rights.
As we commemorate Women's Equality Day, it is fitting to celebrate the many strides our nation has made towards equality over the past 91 years. It's a day to remember those who marched and stood vigil, fasted and were imprisoned for the basic right to vote. It's a time to recommit ourselves to continuing the struggle for equality for all women -- for our mothers, grandmothers, daughters and ourselves. It's a time to reflect on the legacy of sacrifice and leadership that has set the foundation for this new generation of women to follow. Grateful to the lineage of hard work and persistence, we honor the women of yesterday, today, and future generations.
To celebrate Women's Equality Day and recognize the efforts of those women and the women serving in all branches of the military, in locations around the world, Kadena Air Base hosted essay and quiz contests open to all.
Essay participants submitted essays in one of five categories: E1-E4; E5-E9; officers; civilians and local nationals; and spouses. Submitted essays were moving, creative and touching, but only one winner was chosen in each category. Below are the winners and excerpts of their essays.
"Women's Equality Day is here to celebrate our past victories and the future battles we are out there to conquer. We have made vast leaps within the last 100 years all because of the fearless women before us." (Airman 1st Class Amanda Oberdank, Air Force: E1-E4 category winner)
"Women's Equality Day expresses the opportunity to be independent, meanwhile paving way for equal opportunities and advancement which was once deprived.
This day symbolizes independence and capitalizes on the ability to break barriers that were once bestowed." (Staff Sgt. Ieashia Burr, Air Force: E5-E9 category winner)
"Women's Equality Day essentially reminds me that we have yet to achieve true equality both in the U.S. and across the globe. The fact that we have a Women's Equality Day is proof positive of that fact." (Capt. Amanda Jepsen, Marine Corps: officer category winner)
"Mostly, Women's Equality Day means change: change in mind, body, and soul. Women can't expect equality without anticipating a change in them, in addition to others. Women need to treat each other with respect, the same respect they expect from men. Women need to recognize they have the power to change their lives at any time and can become anything they choose to be. When women realize that they have the power of change, only then does Women's Equality Day truly have meaning." (Angie Downs, Air Force: spouse category winner)
"Through the work of Alice Paul and other courageous civil rights pioneers, I gained my independence as a respectable woman. On Women's Equality Day, I remember their admirable sacrifices." (Christine Brown, Camp Foster Personal Services Center: civilian and local national category winner)
Quiz participants were asked to submit correct answers to a 10-question Women's Equality Day quiz. The first five responders with the correct answers were rewarded for their hard work.
The quiz winners were:
Staff Sgt. Kayla Irizarry, 18th Maintenance Operations Squadron; Airman 1st Class Heather Bate, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron; Airman 1st Class Morgan Carson, 18th Security Forces Squadron; Pam Borgert, wife of Col. Michael Borgert, 18th Force Support Squadron commander; and Tara Simmons-Gulck, 18th Contracting Squadron
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